The Merion Cricket Club Haverford, PA
Director of Paddle Tennis - Position Profile –
Organization
Founded in 1865, The Merion Cricket Club located in scenic Haverford, Pennsylvania, is situated on Philadelphia’s Main Line, approximately 7 miles outside of Center City. It’s majestic and stately Frank Furness designed historic Clubhouse overlooks a sea of green known as the “Great Lawn” which hosts year-round sporting activities in tennis, cricket and croquet, including national and international competitive events. The Club offers an array of other sports on the Great Lawn including soccer, field hockey, softball and lawn bowling. Merion’s extensive facilities also include indoor tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, a full service fitness center, paddle tennis facility including four courts, bowling lanes, men’s and women’s locker facilities, Pro Shop and singles/doubles squash courts. The Clubhouse is also home to exceptional facilities for member dining and social activities.
The Club just completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar Campus Master Plan expansion with substantial investments made in strengthening the racquets facilities, family-friendly facilities and health & wellness. The Club’s fitness, squash and locker room facilities all saw significant upgrades while, most importantly, the Club added an outdoor resort-style pool and a new Paddle Tennis complex boasting a spectacular pavilion overlooking four (4) new courts.
History of Merion Tennis
Lawn Tennis was first played at The Merion Cricket Club in 1876 and was ‘officially’ recognized in 1882 with a resolution formally designating tennis as a Club sport. Since then, tennis has long been the most popular racquet sport at Merion. The history of world-class tennis at Merion is steeped in tradition. The Club began an eight decade stint of hosting the Pennsylvania State Lawn Tennis Championships in 1894 which marked the tournaments inauguration. Merion member William J. Clothier not only oversaw the tournament for three decades but won the tournament a total of five times beginning in 1948. The PSLTC champions include such tennis luminaries as Wallace F. Johnson, W. T. Tilden, H. Manuel Alonzo, E. Victor Seixas, Jr., Rod Laver and Poncho Gonzales. Winners of the women’s tournament include Mary K. Browne, Molla Bjurstedt, K. Midge Gladman, Helen Jacobs, Margaret Jacobs (Court), Maureen Connolly, Althea Gibson, Billie Jean Moffitt (King), Margaret Smith, Darlene Hard, Louise Brough and Margaret duPont. Merion was also home to the U.S. Intercollegiate Championships and the Davis Cup Squad who practiced on the manicured Great Lawn in 1934-1936. In September, 1939, the Davis Cup Challenge Round was played before an audience of 8,000 on Merion’s grass.
Additional tennis greats who have competed on Merion’s Great Lawn include Jimmy Conners, John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, Art Larson, Ham Rich, Cliff Drysdale, Roy Emerson and Eddie Moylan as well as Merion tennis legends including Straight Clark, Sam Howe, Diehl Mateer, James A. Schnaars, Dick Sorlien, Barbara Clement, Eleanor Hammonds and Bunny Vosters.
In the days of the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) - now the (USTA) - Merion Cricket was the first tournament played on the Grass Court Circuit. The tournaments then continued on to the other great lawn tennis clubs including East Orange, Meadow Club in Southhampton, Newport Casino, and Longwood Cricket before making its last stop at Forest Hills.
History of Merion Paddle Tennis
Platform “Paddle” Tennis was first introduced at Merion in 1961 when two courts and a small warming hut were erected at the perimeter of the Great Lawn. This new sport gained immediate interest and broad appeal from within the tennis playing membership as a winter alternative to tennis. Demand quickly exceeded the limitations of two courts and a third court was erected in the mid-seventies. Since that time, Paddle has remained one of the Club’s mainstay racquet sports and is now played nearly year-round.
With the advent of the low-bounce ball, Merion began offering a spring league and the Paddle season now extends from late-August through early-June. Today – with Interclub leagues, high school team matches and recreational play – Merion’s Paddle program is amongst the most robust in the Philadelphia region and poised to grow even stronger.
Paddle Tennis Facilities and Programs
Merion’s paddle tennis facilities are among the finest in the Philadelphia region and perhaps beyond. These new facilities feature a magnificent pavilion overlooking the four (4) new paddle courts. The pavilion’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide for excellent viewing opportunities while socializing indoor next to the fireplace. The pavilion also features a full-service bar, comfortable lounge area and two bathrooms. The outdoor wrap-around deck, with a covered porch, also features a fireplace and built-in radiant heaters. This facility has quickly become one of the most popular venues at the Club.
Merion’s paddle tennis programs are equally as extensive with over 500 members participating and competing actively in our structured programming to include:
175+ Women participating on six (6) Interclub MAPTA teams 150+ Men participating on five (5) Interclub MAPTA teams 100+ Juniors participating in camps and clinics as well as in a competitive high school program
In addition, the Merion membership regularly utilizes the paddle tennis facilities for recreation/leisure play and private instruction and the Club is host to roughly 30 paddle tennis events each year.
Merion’s Paddle Tennis professional staff consists of a Director of Paddle Tennis overseeing all paddle tennis operations and programming and is supported by two (2) Assistant Paddle Tennis Professionals who are also skilled tennis players and coaches. The professional staff is further augmented during peak season as required to support the robust programming.
The Merion Experience
Our boast-worthy facilities and centuries of championship tournaments and players notwithstanding, Merion’s true hallmark and key differentiator has always been our hospitality - which still holds true today. In a world that is changing so rapidly around us - and not always for the better - much remains the same today at Merion which is, indeed, part of the Merion experience and charm. True sportsmanship and camaraderie has been our consistent mission.
Mission Statement
The Merion Cricket Club is a forward-looking, family-oriented Club established in 1865 to provide its members with excellent facilities and programs. The Club encourages all levels of participation in sports and other activities, while at the same time enabling its members to socialize in an attractive environment with exceptional food and beverage service. Merion conducts itself with honor and integrity in all its endeavors, and is proud of its history and tradition.
Vision Statement
To be a pre-eminent family-focused Club meeting the multi-generational desires of our membership, including excellent dining, socializing, health and wellness opportunities and an array of athletic activities for all ages and skill levels highlighted by our nationally recognized tennis and squash programs.
Position Profile
The Merion Cricket Club seeks the consummate paddle professional to lead our Paddle program and work collaboratively with our accomplished team. Potential candidates will be among the best in the paddle tennis industry and possess the appropriate combination of court skills, leadership, vision and initiative best suited to the needs of the Club. The expectation is that the next Director of Paddle Tennis will lead this program to new heights and position Merion’s Paddle Program as one of the finest in the country.
Coaching Experience
Just as important as Merion’s exceptional facilities is our long-standing tradition of excellence in the coaching of racquet sports. Illustrious former Tennis and Squash professionals include William White ‘Whitey’, James Tully, Brendan McRory, James Dunn, Winnie Guilliford, Terry Hassall and Pascal Collard – all of whom have contributed significantly to delivering the Merion experience over the course of their long tenures for the past century.
Our commitment to deliver this same level of coaching excellence is no different for our Paddle program. The Club will expect the next Director of Paddle Tennis to possess a proven and verifiable track record of developing robust and energized Paddle programs. This individual must exhibit a passion for the game and be a skilled coaching professional engaging both beginners and ‘A’ players alike.
Position Summary
Merion’s team of talented and committed senior managers strives for excellence in all aspects of the Club’s operations. The Director of Paddle Tennis will become an integral part of this cohesive management team and will lead the day-to- day operations of the Club’s Paddle Tennis Program. Currently, there are two Assistant Paddle Tennis Professionals who support the Director of Paddle.
Key Position Attributes and Requirements:
1. An extensive background in high-caliber Paddle Tennis operations demonstrating a balanced approach to programming that will engage all paddle playing constituencies and uphold the Club’s mission of providing excellent programs for all levels of ability. 2. A career path marked with a logical progression of title and responsibility along with stability and tenure. Proven and verifiable credentials of progressive accomplishments in leading large-scale highly regarded Paddle operations. 3. An exceptional communicator who will instill The Merion Cricket Club ‘Service Culture’ while effectively collaborating with a team of talented professionals to provide world-class member experiences that is the Club’s hallmark. 4. A collaborative and proactive team builder with a proven track record in recruitment and measureable staff development ensuring a high caliber and dynamic assistant professional staff. 5. A highly visible, accessible and energetic leader with a charismatic and engaging presence for the staff and membership alike. 6. Proactive and self-motivated in developing, executing and monitoring relevant Paddle programs and best practices to improve member engagement and member satisfaction. 7. Must maintain a robust presence both on and off court and be readily available to the Club’s membership regardless of Paddle playing proficiency and serves as the ambassador to our paddle playing constituencies. 8. An individual of high moral character who demonstrates the following qualities in both personal and professional settings: Integrity, Trustworthiness, Respect, Loyalty and Humility. 9. Unencumbered by any outside commitments or endeavors that would result in less than 100% time and attention to the task at hand. 10. Ownership of key goal-oriented metrics, including: increasing member participation/engagement, executing and measuring staff development/training, revenue growth and expense management.
Application Instructions
Candidates should send a resume and cover letter describing how their experience and qualifications align to the Position Profile and Key Position Attributes and Requirements.
Resume and cover letter should be sent to:
Caleb E. Tindall, CCM General Manager/COO The Merion Cricket Club 325 Montgomery Avenue Haverford, PA 19041 or via email: [email protected]
Submission Deadline
November 30, 2020
Director of Paddle Tennis - Job Description -
Position: Director of Paddle Tennis Reports to: General Manager/COO Direct Reports: Assistant Paddle Tennis Professionals
The Director of Paddle is responsible for creating and maintaining a premier Paddle Tennis program at The Merion Cricket Club with the assistance of the Director of Athletics and Assistant Paddle Tennis Professionals.
The Director of Paddle shall lead, manage and supervise all aspects of the Paddle program while, at the same time, training the Assistant Tennis Professional staff in a positive and proactive leadership role in providing exceptional service and balanced programs for the members and their guests.
A. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Increase the number of members who participate in the Club’s Paddle programs and use the Club’s Paddle facilities. Work with management, committees and individual members to implement new programs and uses of the facility to meet the needs of the members. 2. Plans and directs programs from beginner through advanced instruction to enhance broad-based member participation. Provides lessons and clinics relating to the techniques and strategies of Paddle to members creating both opportunities for enjoyment of the game and/or facilitating improvement of playing ability to higher levels of proficiency. Organizes, administers and officiates at tournaments, exhibitions and social events. 3. Organizes, develops and administers league practices, matches, tournaments and awards for the Paddle program. 4. Ensures all Club members and guests receive courteous, prompt and professional attention regarding all of their Paddle Tennis needs. 5. Recruits qualified and experienced Paddle staff as required to effectively administer the Paddle program. Provides a department orientation for each new staff employee. Responsible for supervising and scheduling of staff to ensure that appropriate personnel are present at all times the Club is open. 6. Develops and maintains departmental training manuals, programs and procedures for the Paddle Department. Focuses on staff training to enhance the members’ experience through personalized service. 7. Encourages staff to improve all aspects of their skills and to keep current on particular areas of the Club. Develops and mentors all staff to promote personal and professional growth and job satisfaction. Ensures that staff update their skills as required. 8. Administers and enforces Club policies and procedures regarding play on Club courts. Enforces Club rules of safety, conduct, dress code, guest policy and children. 9. Interacts and communicates with the Paddle Committee and participates in all committees related to the Paddle operations. 10. Represents the Club in local professional Paddle activities.
B. Administrative:
1. Maintains an accurate record of all programs including lessons, clinics, camps, events, and tournaments. 2. Maintains and prepares an accurate listing of paddle charges for the Member Billing Department. 3. Writes and edits all Paddle related news for the Club newsletter. Submits accurately and timely event promotion information, including timelines, budgeting and requirements from other departments in a timely manner to the Communications and Accounting Departments to ensure proper marketing and execution of the event. 4. Creates the annual Paddle Programming Guide. 5. Coordinates all food and beverage requirements for all paddle events through the Club’s Catering Office 30 days in advance of the event. 6. Prepares and manages Club tournaments, holiday events and special events with the assistance of the Paddle Committee, Assistant Tennis Professional staff, Director of Athletics and Club personnel. 7. Supports the Director of Athletics in coordinating the Club calendar. 8. Serves on the Paddle Committee and takes direction from this committee on programs and policy. 9. Maintains a high level of visibility at all major Paddle activities. 10. Assists with monitoring the annual operation of the Paddle Tennis budget. Makes recommendations to generate revenue, increase profitability and increase usage of the Club. Responsible for practicing proper labor cost controls. 11. Assists members in finding opponents and partners. 12. Performs continuous observation and evaluation of Paddle court conditions, reporting maintenance requirements to appropriate department and Club management.
C. Human Resources:
1. Ensures that all staff consistently complies with the Club’s Employee Manual, Club policies and procedures and the Professional’s Manual. 2. Provides an annual Employee evaluation for Assistant Tennis Professional staff and creates appropriate professional development plans related to their involvement in the Paddle program. 3. Maintains documentation of personnel. Produces appropriate documentation including incident reports, accident reports and payroll forms. 4. Submits and approves all time off requests properly and in a timely manner. Manages time off to ensure coverage while not at the Club. 5. Develops and nurtures Assistant Paddle Tennis Professionals to further their careers.
D. Education/Experience:
A minimum of five years prior experience as a Director or Assistant Professional preferably at an upscale private club with diverse programs.
Bachelor Degree in Sports Management or related program with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as Director of Paddle or Assistant Director of Paddle.
Proven coaching skillset for players of all ages and playing level, adult development, junior development and performance development.
A resume with progressively more responsible positions and stable tenure required.
Knowledge of and proficiency with all computer programs required to effectively and efficiently coordinate a robust Paddle program and communicate with the membership and Club personnel.
APTA certification, USPTA certification and/or USPTR certification and membership preferred.
CPR, First Aid and AED certifications.
E. Competencies:
1. Extensive training and experience in tennis programming and coaching within an upscale private club environment. 2. An energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image. Is discreet and behaves with a high degree of professionalism. 3. A strategic visionary with sound practical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus. 4. A well organized and self-directed individual with strong operation and leadership skills. Ability to use effective problem solving skills and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant. Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the program, goals and objectives pertaining to the Paddle Department. Must possess the ability to seek out new program ideas and incorporate them into the existing Paddle program. 5. An intelligent and articulate individual who can relate to people on all levels of an organization and possesses excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to communicate policies, procedures, regulations, reports, etc. to staff, members and guests. Collaborative and able to create and sustain positive working relationships with co-workers and other staff. 6. A strong educator who is trustworthy and willing to share information and has the ability to inspire, coach, train, develop employees and serve as a mentor with the desire and ability to work with adults and children. 7. Ability to direct, supervise and schedule Assistant Tennis Professional staff. Ability to build morale and spirit in employees and instill a “can do” and service attitude. 8. Provides exceptional member service and uses prompt and responsive follow-through. Asks questions to identify member’s needs and/or expectations. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or complaints. 9. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality. 10. Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, late evenings, weekend and holidays when appropriate. 11. Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations related to the Private Club industry. 12. Knowledge of The Merion Cricket Club’s policies, rules, regulations and guidelines and strict adherence to same.